silverworks chain
newsletter for the emerging silversmith
June, 2010
Greetings!

Survive the heat with a little creativity. Summer has been busy and hot but is a great time to let your creativity find its voice. As a student of SilverWorks you can show in the July show, or if you haven't taken the plunge try the upcoming classes. Enjoy your creative journey.

It is cool in the studio. (well sometimes;-)

Creatively,
Blair Anderson
Director, SilverWorks Studio & Gallery
What Gauge is What?

Illusive as it may seem, there is a method to the madness when talking about gauge. Gauge is the measurement we use for pre-milled sheet and wire. Counter-intuitive, gauge numbers go in the reverse of size, so a 12 gauge wire is thicker than a 14 gauge wire, and so on. But how do you know what to use for what? Here are a few simple guidelines of what gauge works for what project, that I have discovered in my creative journey:

Wire:
12 Gauge: Bangles, large pendents, chunky chains, building components
14 Gauge: Earring designs, small rings, building components
18 Gauge: Fine earring designs, jump rings, small chain links, building components
22 Gauge: Earwires, tiny jump rings, building components, rolling mill texturing element.

Sheet:
26 Gauge; Light Earrings, Basic foundation design, light rolling mill texture, light reticulation.
22 Gauge: Link components, complex earrings, compound neck designs.
18 Gauge: Cuff bracelets, heavy components, ring shanks.

Other products and gauges are dependent on specific design. Think about proportion, scale and durability when building a piece. Larger isn't always better but the thickness of a gauge can be important if it needs to endure stress.
New Tool

photo tentThis month's "new tool" is not something to create jewelry with, but contributes to the selling and promotion of your work.

A photo tent with lights and background.

For proper promotion it is important to have professional images of your work. Hiring a pro can be expensive, but a few tools, the right lighting and a good digital camera can make the difference.
Upcoming Classes
Discover Silversmithing 1

Next workshop: August 11 & 12 Wed, Thurs, 10:30 am- 1:30pm.
Handcraft your own silver jewelry while learning the basics of silver fabrication techniques. Skills learned include the use of an acetylene torch, soldering, sawing, forging, and fusion. Create 3 pieces of finished silver jewelry of your own design. This workshop makes you eligible for open studio time.
Materials fee $25.

Discover Silversmithing 2
Next workshop: August 18 & 19  Wed, Thurs, 10:30 am- 1:30pm.
Learn more advanced techniques in silver surface texturing and bezel setting gemstones with more creative freedom in this follow-up workshop. Good jewelry composition will be explored. Must have completed Discover Silversmithing I, or a Silver Saturday. This workshop makes you eligible for open studio time.
Materials fee $25.

Silver Saturdays:
Next Saturday Workshop: Organic Things
August 7, 10:30-4:30
Create 3 pieces of silver jewelry while learning the basics of silversmithing fabrication. Learn to use an acetylene torch, soldering, forging and fusion. Demo incorporates organic found objects like wood or beach glass. Bring a bag lunch & your creativity! This workshop makes you eligible for open studio time. Materials fee $25.

I appreciate your involvement in SilverWorks Studio & Gallery and hope that my studio can enhance your artistic journey. I'll see you in the studio!

Blair Anderson
Director & Instructor
In This Issue
The Mystery of Gauges
New Tool
Upcoming Classes
Show in July
Smith Vocabulary: Flux
Upcoming Show

pele's tantrumPele's Tantrum. Just one of the titles from the upcoming show "The Silver Speaks; Stories in Wearable Art". July 3-Aug 1 at the Glen Echo Popcorn Gallery.
 
Last Call!...
Show your stuff!

Show your best work in the first annual Student Show in the Popcorn Gallery of Glen Echo Park. Any student who has completed work in the last six months can bring in their best pieces for the public to view. Drop your work off on June 30th at Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo park to be included in the show. Or let me know you want to be included. ,Opening reception for the show is July 3rd, 7-10 pm.
Word-of-the-Month
Fluxl
That funky neon-green stuff that makes the solder flow...
read more terms...
blair anderson director and instructor
About the Director
Blair Anderson is an artist in residence at Glen Echo Park, MD.
read more...
 
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